Mother's legacy

When my Dad passed away last Fall I posted an open letter to him, expressing my love and appreciation for his life. My mother is still with us and I'd like to do the same for her so she can hear these words while she is still alive.

Dear Mother,
The other day I was having a conversation with a friend and the subject of eating new and different foods came up. He had been to a conference where meals were provided once a day, but he said he didn't care for the food - it was too "weird". Now this was an organic growers' conference so I figured the food was perfectly good and healthy, but because it wasn't the standard American fare my friend had turned his nose up at it. I told him that it was probably the kind of food my family liked to eat! I then went on to explain that I was raised by a mother who taught us that if food was healthy and good for you one could learn to like it. One's tastes could be developed, in other words - not a common American value, but one that you taught me to embrace. A favorite phrase of yours, Mother, was, "people just need to be taught!"

Mother, you were the first and most important teacher I ever had. You not only taught me the value of eating well but also how to prepare foods in as healthy a way as possible ("don't overcook the broccoli!"). More importantly you taught me the critical need to have a vital, living relationship with Jesus. You were a deep believer in prayer and would often respond to needs that would arise with a quiet, but firm statement, "We need to pray about that." It took a long time for that lesson to sink in, but in the last few years prayer has become increasingly important to me. Thank you, Mother, for modeling that value to me. I can still picture the earnestness on your face and in your voice as you raised your concerns to the Father in prayer.

Mother, I can remember an evening when I was with you and Dad at a home Bible Study, at the home of the Waltzes. We had been going through one of the Psalms, having an open-ended kind of a study, and I had felt free (as a high-school age person) to share some insights during the discussion. On the way home, Mother, you were quick to affirm that I had a gift. I don't know if you exactly labeled it a teaching gift, but I think it would have generally fallen into that category. I believe you have that gift and were recognizing it in me. Thank you for that encouragement you gave me way back then. I probably didn't think a whole lot of it at the time, but the memory of that has stuck with me so I know that must have been an important affirmation that I continue to take seriously.

Mother, you are nearing the end of your life. Believe me when I tell you that you have run your course well. I know that at times you have expressed concern that you didn't do this or that right in how you raised me. But I want you to know that there was only one human in history that did everything right - and that's why we put our trust in Him to save us! I have no regrets with how you and Dad raised me. I count my childhood and growing up years at home as very blessed years and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Our faith is in a loving Father who takes even our failures and turns them into opportunities to show His power to transform them into blessings. So be at peace, Mother, as you reflect back on the past. It is His faithfulness that has brought you to this place and has preserved and nurtured all the good seed that you planted, not only within me but within many others as well.

I love you Mother. I bless you for being a blessing to me.

Bruce